As we dive into 2024, let’s explore the camera lenses that have captured the hearts (and wallets) of Digital Photography School readers. Our data, sourced from Amazon purchases over the past quarter, reveals interesting trends in the ever-evolving world of photography gear.
Key Trends:
- Canon maintains its lead, but Sony is hot on its heels.
- Mirrorless lens popularity continues to surge.
- The “nifty fifty” remains a favorite across all brands.
- Third-party manufacturers are gaining ground, especially for Sony mounts.
Canon: Still King of the Hill Canon lenses account for 20 of the top 50 bestsellers. The affordable and versatile Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM leads the pack, closely followed by its RF-mount counterpart for mirrorless cameras.
Top 5 Canon Lenses:
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
- Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
- Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM
- Canon RF100-400mm f5.6-8 IS USM
Sony: The Rising Star For the first time, Sony lenses have outpaced Nikon in sales, nearly matching Canon’s numbers. The Sony FE 50mm f1.8 leads their lineup.
Top 5 Sony Lenses:
- Sony FE 50mm f1.8
- Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II
- Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3
- Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II
- Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM
Nikon: Holding Strong While slipping to third place, Nikon remains popular, especially with the rise of their Z-mount mirrorless lenses.
Top 5 Nikon Lenses:
- Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR
Third-Party Manufacturers: The Dark Horses Brands like Sigma, Tamron, and newcomers such as Viltrox and TTArtisan are gaining traction, especially for Sony mounts.
Notable Third-Party Lenses:
- Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH
- Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Sony)
- Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony APS-C)
Key Takeaways:
- Affordable 50mm prime lenses remain bestsellers across all brands.
- Mirrorless-specific lenses are increasingly popular, reflecting the market shift.
- Third-party manufacturers offer compelling alternatives, especially for Sony systems.
- Versatile zoom lenses continue to be popular choices for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
As the photography landscape evolves, so do the tools photographers choose. Whether you’re team Canon, Sony, Nikon, or exploring third-party options, there’s never been a better time to find the perfect lens for your creative vision.
What’s your go-to lens, and why? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!